A Restored
Farmhouse
Kitchen
A beautiful farmhouse restoration in Burgundy, Le Pellerin is an ancient barn turned beautiful family home and holiday let.
London-based couple Sarah and Tim talk about the kitchen, their design process, and how Made in Ply became a part of the story...
Project spec:
Upgrade IKEA kitchen with Birch Plywood Door Fronts, Drawer Fronts, Panels and Plinths
Client @lepellerin71
Architecture by @atelierwow
Photography by @Sylvainjouve_photographie
Kitchen units by IKEA
Kitchen fronts by Made in Ply
Did you work with an interior designer for the kitchen at Le Pellerin, or was it a project you led yourselves?
Tim: It was very much a self-led project. We worked with a young, commercial firm from
Macon, who acted as both architects and project managers for the build and renovation - a real help as we’re based in South London.
The interiors though, were all planned and sourced by us. The layout was largely dictated by the original structure: the thick stone walls couldn’t be moved, and we wanted to make the most of the incredible views across the back garden. It was important for us to marry old features with new and aim for something timeless that respected the building’s history.
Did you work with an interior designer for the kitchen at Le Pellerin, or was it a project you led yourselves?
Tim: It was very much a self-led project. We worked with a young, commercial firm from
Macon, who acted as both architects and project managers for the build and renovation - a real help as we’re based in South London.
The interiors though, were all planned and sourced by us. The layout was largely dictated by the original structure: the thick stone walls couldn’t be moved, and we wanted to make the most of the incredible views across the back garden. It was important for us to marry old features with new and aim for something timeless that respected the building’s history.
How did the setting - a farmhouse in Burgundy - influence your approach to the kitchen’s design? Were there particular features or moods you wanted to preserve or reflect?
Sarah: Absolutely. The history of the building really guided us. The thick, dark limestone
walls - which are almost like a Cotswold stone - defined the palette. We sourced reclaimed
terracotta quarry tiles, known as tomettes, for the floor. They’re beautiful: all pale pinks, soft
beige and warm earthy tones, with little markings and even the occasional paw print baked into them.
The original beams we saved were relocated to the lounge and our carpenter sourced an untreated oak beam, now bevelled, to become a feature in the kitchen. We wanted to preserve the past whilst looking forward.
How did the setting - a farmhouse in Burgundy - influence your approach to the kitchen’s design? Were there particular features or moods you wanted to preserve or reflect?
Sarah: Absolutely. The history of the building really guided us. The thick, dark limestone
walls - which are almost like a Cotswold stone - defined the palette. We sourced reclaimed
terracotta quarry tiles, known as tomettes, for the floor. They’re beautiful: all pale pinks, soft
beige and warm earthy tones, with little markings and even the occasional paw print baked into them.
The original beams we saved were relocated to the lounge and our carpenter sourced an untreated oak beam, now bevelled, to become a feature in the kitchen. We wanted to preserve the past whilst looking forward.
What led you to choose plywood cabinetry fronts for the lower units, and how did you discover Made in Ply?
Sarah: A friend of ours had converted an old coach house and used a plywood kitchen,
which we absolutely loved - it felt like it had integrity and sat naturally with the old features.
She mentioned Made in Ply, so we began following them on Instagram, along with a few
other ply companies.
Tim: When the samples arrived, it was clear that Made in Ply’s were a cut above. The
texture and finish were beautiful, even in sample form - so we had high hopes.
What led you to choose plywood cabinetry fronts for the lower units, and how did you discover Made in Ply?
Sarah: A friend of ours had converted an old coach house and used a plywood kitchen,
which we absolutely loved - it felt like it had integrity and sat naturally with the old features.
She mentioned Made in Ply, so we began following them on Instagram, along with a few
other ply companies.
Tim: When the samples arrived, it was clear that Made in Ply’s were a cut above. The
texture and finish were beautiful, even in sample form - so we had high hopes.
How did you find the process of working with the Made in Ply team?
Tim: Really seamless. We had quite a few practical questions as the door fronts would be fitted onto pre-made carcasses, and there was the added complication of taking them over to France ourselves and dealing with language barriers on site. The Made in Ply team handled everything brilliantly; communication was excellent, and they made the whole process easy.
How did you find the process of working with the Made in Ply team?
Tim: Really seamless. We had quite a few practical questions as the door fronts would be fitted onto pre-made carcasses, and there was the added complication of taking them over to France ourselves and dealing with language barriers on site. The Made in Ply team handled everything brilliantly; communication was excellent, and they made the whole process easy.
How did you balance aesthetics with practicality in the kitchen - especially with it being a holiday let? Were there any decisions where those two priorities clashed or came together perfectly?
Sarah: There were a couple of moments! We initially looked at knobs and hardware for the
units but realised quickly that, being a high-traffic space used by guests, they might not be
the most practical. The set-in handles carved from the birch ply became a perfect
compromise - beautiful, subtle and functional.
We also wanted a material that wouldn’t date or wear badly. Plywood felt like the natural choice: it has an understated elegance while being durable and low-maintenance.
How did you balance aesthetics with practicality in the kitchen - especially with it being a holiday let? Were there any decisions where those two priorities clashed or came together perfectly?
Sarah: There were a couple of moments! We initially looked at knobs and hardware for the
units but realised quickly that, being a high-traffic space used by guests, they might not be
the most practical. The set-in handles carved from the birch ply became a perfect
compromise - beautiful, subtle and functional.
We also wanted a material that wouldn’t date or wear badly. Plywood felt like the natural choice: it has an understated elegance while being durable and low-maintenance.
Now that the kitchen’s finished and in use, what’s your favourite feature or detail - and how has it changed the way you or your guests experience the space?
Sarah: It’s more about the overall feel for us - the atmosphere of quiet simplicity and
elegance. The materials lead your eye naturally to the views and other details in the room. I
love the edges of the ply and the warmth they bring.
Tim: I was after a kind of serenity, which I think we’ve achieved - a flatness and calmness in
the kitchen that works beautifully with the other mellow materials and natural tones.
Now that the kitchen’s finished and in use, what’s your favourite feature or detail - and how has it changed the way you or your guests experience the space?
Sarah: It’s more about the overall feel for us - the atmosphere of quiet simplicity and
elegance. The materials lead your eye naturally to the views and other details in the room. I
love the edges of the ply and the warmth they bring.
Tim: I was after a kind of serenity, which I think we’ve achieved - a flatness and calmness in
the kitchen that works beautifully with the other mellow materials and natural tones.
Project highlights
● Honouring the building’s past:
They let the ancient stone walls and reclaimed materials lead the design; uncovering an old oven set halfway up a wall, retained original beams (relocated to the lounge) and they sourced reclaimed terracotta tomettes - with paw prints and history baked in.
● The blend of old and new:
By pairing mellow limestone walls and reclaimed flooring with clean-lined birch ply cabinetry from Made in Ply, they achieved a timeless, serene kitchen that sits comfortably within its rustic setting.
● Thoughtful yet practical design choices:
Originally considering knobs and handles, they switched to inset carved ply handles for durability and simplicity, especially important for a holiday let.
